Finding a job with the federal government can seem like “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” The US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is a good place to start. By law, all government agencies must post any vacancies open to outside applicants on their Web site.

Federal jobs span every possible area of interest, from forestry to law, at dozens of agencies, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the missions of agencies that interest you. For students, OPM has a list of sample jobs organized according to related college majors.

How do I apply?

Applicants usually must submit a resume, a description of relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, and any supporting information called for in the vacancy announcement.

The information currently on your resume may not be enough to satisfy government employers. OPM's “Information Center ” lists all the information an applicant needs to provide for federal employment. A resume containing all the required information is called a “federal resume” although there is no mandated form.

One way to make sure you've got all your bases covered is to print yourself an “Optional Application for Federal Employment” form that is the closest thing to a federal resume and can be used as part of your application for virtually any federal job.

Applicants usually must submit a resume, a description of relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, and any supporting information called for in the vacancy announcement.

OTHER GOVERNMENT WEBSITES YOU SHOULD SURF:

COOL: The Commerce Opportunities Online Way to Apply for Jobs!

Cool is a Web-based vacancy announcement and application system. It provides an easy way to search for Department of Commerce jobs online. You can create, update, save, and submit your application online for merit vacancies. Using COOL is easy! You can create and update your resume, apply for a job, and submit your application online through COOL 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No more writing a book to apply for a job. Instead, you will simply answer a series of yes or no questions. Once you have resume in COOL, you can apply for a job in minutes! No more paying postage and express mailing fees or racing to Human Resources to meet closing deadlines. Instead, you will instantly submit your online application. In addition, your application will be referred to managers quicker than ever before. Be COOL at www.jobs.doc.gov

FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF LABOR: http://www.dol.gov/dol/jobs.htm

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: http://careers.dot.gov/

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING: http://www.hud.gov/jobs/index.cfm

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/jobs/internship.cfm

USAJOBS: http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/